Last weekend we hosted a 60th birthday party for my husband’s brother. We had invited 25 people all of whom graciously accepted the invitation. This list included surprise guests from California that we had not seen for several years. My husband was worried about me handling all the work and stress of such a large event in our home, but in addition to my husband, I had the best helper available. I did not have to do all the planning, shopping, cleaning, visiting, cooking and airport runs while holding down a full time job. What a relief!
No full time job, what a relief!
It is amazing how smoothly everything went because I had the time to do a task each day and not try to cram all the chores into the Saturday prior to the party. I had the time to go to different stores and compare prices. I could weigh the value of certain products versus their competitors, not just toss stuff into a shopping cart to get done as quickly as possible and get out of the store. I actually left one party store (way too expensive) to check out the local dollar store for comparable items and was greatly pleased that I had done so. I had the time to discuss the food selection and quantity needed with the deli manager at the grocery store and then make changes as the guest list grew. I was able to take three days to clean the house and set up for the party both indoors and out in the backyard. I had time to decorate and make the house festive.
Having the work all done made the party more fun
By the Sunday of the party I was ready. I actually got to visit with my guests and enjoy their company. I was able to get through all the hard work involved (with my husband’s help) and have fun. My husband said it was the most relaxed he had seen me when we’ve hosted a large group. He wanted to know why I was so upbeat when I was dead tired from entertaining. I told him that no matter what happened on Sunday, I knew I would not have to get up on Monday morning and go to work. That simple thought made anything pleasurable.
Monday something happened that ruined half my day. It was one of those small things that occur occasionally to other people, but not to me. I lost my keys! I returned home at 7:30AM from driving carpool having used the keys to drive. Since I am a creature of very well established habits I put the keys and my purse down where I always do, on the hall entryway table. Imagine my shock when we went to go walk the dog and the keys were gone. I could not imagine what happened. I had only been home for half an hour and not gone anywhere but the kitchen. After we returned from the dog walk my husband and I looked everywhere. I even went through the garbage three times. I was frantic. How could they have just disappeared? It wasn’t logical, but I guess sometimes life defies logic.